The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, agreed to earmark a portion of the city’s utility fees for emergency infrastructure needs.

City leaders voted to allocate 3-percent of the monthly fees to the emergency fund, generating about $18,000 per month and $225,000 annually.

Council Member Greg South has pushed for the earmark during the past several meetings, stressing the importance of having money available for unforeseen repairs.

Although South had at one point previously suggested a 10-percent earmark, he thought the agreed to 3-percent was a good starting point to be able “to take care of some of these things that keep coming up.” Most recently, the city had to unexpectedly repair a sewer line on Craig Avenue at a cost of more than $18,000.

In other business, the former Piedmont hospital and nursing home property, which has been vacant since the 1990s, was declared as surplus.

Bruce Aderholt was reappointed to his seat on the school board.

Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $522,317.43.

The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2nd, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.